Written by Debra Murray

Music festivals have been a celebration for love of music ever since 1967 when the Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival blessed rock n’ roll fans  two years before Woodstock occurred, but was the focus on the music or the fashion? In the Coachella age, the festival experience has changed from anticipation to see famous artists to preparing the best looks. How has the significance of festival fashion changed what attendees wore at each of these famous festivals?

Woodstock:

Woodstock was one of the first music festivals, contributing to the growth of festivals and the flower power of the 60’s. Those three days of peace and music were also a pivotal fashion moment for the 1960’s.

Floral prints and fringe fabric were all over the festival as it was a huge trend in the late 60’s and 70’s.

Tie dye was a wild and colorful fabric used to express how they wanted to break out of the conventional molds.

Big, round sunglasses were a staple for the 1970’s. Janis Joplin was known for her “freeing” fashion sense, including the round sunglasses that made a scene at Woodstock.

Power Ridge Music Festival:

The festival  was expected to be an eventful musical experience featuring performers such as Fleetwood Mac, Janis Joplin, and The Allman Brothers Band, but that lineup unfortunately never happened.

The attendees wore little to no clothing, but were covered in intense, eye-catching jewelry. Metal chains and bulky rings were featured in every outfit.

Lollapalooza:

When 1991 came around, festivals picked up again thanks to Perry Farrell’s love to party. Lollapalooza began and eventually became one of the most well-known festivals.

The grunge phase was in full force in the early 90’s, so black clothing pieces were accompanied by funky patterns. Band tees were wildly popular because everyone had to show off their obscure music taste.

Nowadays, Lollapalooza attendees have strayed away from the all black attire, and lean more towards a casual denim jean, and a band or political movement themed t-shirt. To top the outfit off, attendees are usually found in chunky cowboy boots to make a southern statement.

Coachella:

Coachella is one of the most famous modern-day music festivals. With the rise of social media influencers, ‘Cella’ pictures flood Instagram.

Hannah Meloche

Coachella fashion has reached its peak with the rise of social media. While the overall style is more diverse throughout the festival, looks are filled with shiny pendant necklaces, flared pants, and crop tops.

Summer Mckeen

Many people this year went for a more laid-back look compared to years before, so there’s a big emphasis on accessories (extra points if they’re thrifted) rather than the clothing itself.

Emma Chamberlain

If you’re more quirky, rather than following the laid-back trend, you might consider going with a monochrome look with pieces you’ve altered yourself.